Babysitter assigned public defender

Jena Marie Wright, the babysitter who was charged in the death of 4-year-old Jordyn Arndt, made an initial appearance in court at approximately 9:30 a.m. Monday to answer to the charges against her.

The court assigned her a public defender, Steve Addington, and scheduled an arrangement hearing for Monday.

Wright has been charged with child endangerment resulting in death, a Class B felony, and neglect or abandonment of dependent person, a Class C felony. She also is charged with interference with official acts and assault on a peace officer causing bodily injury, both of which are aggravated misdemeanors.

Arndt died April 23 at Mercy Medical Center as a result of a dog attack. She received “severe bite injuries” from an American Staffordshire named Brutus April 22 and was airlifted to Mercy.

The dog was euthanized April 24.

Wright faces more than 35 years in prison, if convicted of all charges.